New logo, “upcycled” trophies, and Itchyworms song define UAAP Season 82’s All For More

When UAAP 82 host Ateneo de Manila University launched the league’s new season at the MOA Arena last September 1, 2019, the school also unveiled a new logo, the latest designs of trophies and medals, as well as a theme song especially created by the pop band Itchyworms. All these embody the league’s current theme or motto, “All for more.”

The theme is inspired by the Jesuit value of “Magis,” a
Latin term for “greater” or “more.” This is also expressed in a redesigned UAAP
emblem with eight right arrows or “greater than” symbols in the colors of the
eight UAAP member-universities linked together.

In a heartfelt speech, ADMU President Rev. Fr. Jett Villarin
SJ explained each of the word in the theme. “(We say) ‘all’ because we
celebrate each other. We are a community first before we are competitors. ‘For’
because the energy and effort that we expend is not just for ourselves, but for
something larger. We say ‘more’ because our heart is bigger and so we offer
more.”

Fr. Jett also introduced the designs of the season’s medals
and trophies, which are actually made from discarded materials such as plastic
waste and scrap metal. These are creations by residents in communities engaged
by Junk Not, an organization that seeks to find creative ways to transform
waste into functional pieces while providing livelihood to the marginalized and
protecting the environment.

Fr. Jett told the student athletes, “The trophy—if you win
it—you will also win this for a community in Marawi. You will win this for a
community in Taal, and a community in Biñan because they made your trophies and
medals out of recycled materials.”

The traditional Oath of Sportsmanship was made more meaningful when Junior World Cup bronze medalist Maxine Esteban and other national athletes who are competing in the South East Asian Games (SEA Games) went onstage and led their peers in making the pledge.

Former Lady Eagle Gretchen Ho was the emcee.

Several students and alumni of Ateneo were involved in the UAAP Season 82 opening. Aside from Maxine, there were former Lady Eagle Gretchen Ho who served as emcee, DJs Mark Marasigan and Katsy Lee who played music during the parade of athletes, and the Ateneo Drumline, Buganda, Company of Ateneo Dancers and Blue Babble Battalion Cheerdancers who performed in a dazzling nonstop 11-minute interactive light-and-dance production number.

Spongecola frontman Yael Yuzon

For the finale, the theme song “Ang Ating Tagumpay” was performed
live by the Itchyworms, Spongecola and Karylle—all alumni of Ateneo. A couple
of student-athletes from different schools sang along with them.

Rich Ilustre, also an Atenean, was the director of the
entire show.

In a rare instance, there was no basketball game that followed the opening; instead, there was a concert that featured the Itchyworms, Spongecola, December Avenue, Autotelic and IV of Spades.

UAAP fans didn’t seem to mind the absence of an opening
basketball game. A number of those who watched were pleased. June Narciso
tweeted, “What a superb opening ceremonies. This is how the season is supposed
to start – a celebration – a perfect send-off to all the student-athletes.
Great job, Ateneo.”

Sheila Yulo rejoined, “The way kung paano ginawa ng Ateneo
ang opening for UAAP Season 82 is really how it should be – every school were
in such celebration and sending their student-athletes with such pride. Kamiss
maging student athlete.”

In a comment on Facebook, Karylle shared with Rich how she
felt after the show. “One for the books! I feel so good. Di pa ako makatulog.”